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Thu., July 5, 2007
The Victoria Advocate
"Chisholm Trail museum gets big boost from $1 million grant"
Money will go toward renovation and construction of a new building
by Sonny Long – Victoria Advocate
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CUERO – The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum got a shot in the arm
Monday, with the announcement the project has been awarded a $1 million
grant from the Economic Development Administration.
The grant funds will support the renovation of the historical building that
will house the museum and construction of a new two-story building adjacent
to the facility that will feature a library, visitors' center and gift shop.
U.S. Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, issued a news release making
the announcement.
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SONNY LONG/VICTORIA ADVOCATE
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The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum in Cuero will be housed in the
historic Knights of Pythias Hall on Esplanade Street. It was announced
Monday that the project would receive a $1 million federal grant.
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The grant funds will support the renovation of the historical building that
will house the museum and construction of a new two-story building adjacent
to the facility that will feature a library, visitors' center and gift shop.
"The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum offers an enriching glimpse into a
little known piece of Texas history, and this investment will go a long way
toward preserving this heritage for generations to come," Hinojosa said in
the release. "Not only that, but it provides a wonderful opportunity to
boost the local economy by attracting tourists interested in Texan and
American heritage sites."
Robert Oliver, chairman of the museum's board of directors, also said in the
news release the grant will allow group to create a cultural center that
celebrates the rich ranching and agricultural heritage of this area.
"But just as important is the economic value of having a museum of regional
significance that will draw people into the town and into the area," added
board member John Hildebrand.
According to the news release, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum began
development in 2000 with a small group of concerned citizens interested in
preserving the region's ranching and agricultural heritage.
Its mission is to tell the story of South Central Texas' contribution to the
twin legends of the Texas cowboy and the Longhorn and aims to make a
significant cultural, social and educational contribution by interpreting
the historical events.
In 2002, the historic Knights of Pythias Hall was purchased for the purpose
of establishing the museum. Later that year, the organization hired renowned
preservation architect David Hoffman to create a seven-phase master plan for
the rehabilitation of the building.
"The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum project is a great model for other
communities who wish to expand their economies and attract tourist by
preserving local architectural assets and strengthening their local
educational opportunities," Hinojosa said. "I commend the dedication and
work the community has shown so far and look forward to visiting the museum
when it is completed."
Sonny Long is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-275-6319 or
cueroadv@vicad.com, or comment on this story
here.
This article originally appeared in The Victoria Advocate. Used by kind permission.
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